'Atypical' Season 3 Episode 10 review: 'Searching For Brown Sugar Man' is a brilliant end to a vulnerable, moving season
Season 3 of 'Atypical' has been one of the best television experiences of the year, and the finale episode is a testament to how far the show has evolved since its premiere. The penultimate episode of the Netflix show, 'Sam Takes a Walk' sets the finale up beautifully with three pivotal relationships on the brink of shambles.
Since he found out that Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) cheated on him, Doug (Michael Rapaport) has been trying to figure out if he can forgive her or not, and unfortunately, that came at the cost of stringing his wife along. Having decided that it is better for the both of them to get out of the limbo they are stuck in, Elsa had suggested separation, which Doug did not receive well.
However, in Season 3 Episode 9 of the series we see them going down memory lane, and rediscovering the feelings they had for each other. Even though Doug almost made a decision that would have potentially ended their marriage forever, the finale episode of the season sees Elsa and Doug reconciling. The way their story was dealt with by 'Atypical' can only be described as truthful and respectful.
In trying to bring some drama into Elsa and Doug's life the show did not get carried away with an inexplicable act that redacts the potential of redemption. Nor did they try to work things out too quickly and swiftly throw their issues under the rug, and more importantly they were not unrealistically pushing for the two of them to divorce with a possible rebound for Doug on the side without considering their history together.
The same level of vulnerability and sensitivity was employed while addressing Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine ) and Izzie's (Fivel Stewart ) relationship as well, where we see the struggles of figuring out who you are as a young queer person. Beyond this, we also see how tempting it is to rush back into the closet after putting one foot out, even if you are in love or you trust your partner. The fear of losing everything you hold close is very real, as is expressed beautifully by Izzie's character.
Sam's (Keir Gilchrist) relationships with Paige (Jenna Boyd) and Zahid (Nik Dodani) is also beautifully represented in a three-dimensional, heartwarming way. We have loved to see Sam's evolution in general and how he has gotten better at expressing love to the people closest to him. This is depicted beautifully in the finale episode of the series.
The finale would rank at an 'A+' according to us, so you shouldn't be wasting any more time to log in to your Netflix account and binge-watch all of 'Atypical' Season 3. And start pining for Season 4 like the rest of us.
